With technology advancing at a rapid pace, it has influenced every sector, and education is no exception. By 2025, one-third of the global population is going to be made up by the youngest generation: Generation Alpha, also known as the iGeneration. Generation Alpha is considered to be the children born between 2010 and 2025. This will be the first generation entirely born in the 21st century. These children are considered to be the most technologically savvy demographic cohort till date.
Thus, there are going to be massive changes in technology and learning trends that are likely to shape the lives of this generation especially when it comes to their education. Here’s taking a look at some ground-breaking trends that will help shape the future of education and in turn, the future of children in the coming years:
Ed-tech platforms
In the whole bid to help shape the future of education for children, new age ed-tech platforms are contributing in many ways. With online tutoring picking up pace, there are several digital platforms that help students connect with the right tutors. It provides students with the option of taking classes anytime, anywhere through its online and offline class option. It also aids in personalising the learning experience through a total customisation of the mode, time and place of learning. It offers students complete control over their pace of learning.
Classroom of the future
Education is no more tethered to classrooms. Students have diverse opportunities to learn through various e-learning tools that offer more opportunities for remote, self-paced practical learning. Students will be able to move seamlessly from a traditional to a global virtual classroom. While it is happening already, soon it will be common to see children learn the theoretical concepts in classrooms while practical knowledge will be taught using technology.
AI, VR, MR
The Generation Alpha students are going to benefit in a huge way from the emerging technology and innovations. Technologies such as Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality (AR/VR/MR), robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are already changing education. These technologies help students to easily and quickly grasp concepts.
Customised learning
E-learning tools are helping develop personalised learning paths for children according to their abilities. As technology continues to permeate education, the concept of personalised learning is gaining traction. Personalised learning involves using technology to give students more control over their education experience. Children get to choose the time, place, path, and pace of his or her learning.
Wider choice
In the coming years, students will get a chance to make the most of advanced technology. They will be able to modify their learning process with tools of their own choice. There will be different devices, different programs and techniques. Trends like Blended learning, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) are all set to help children shape their future in a big way.
Future proofing
Today, the freelance sector has come up in a big way. People are no more restricted to working from offices and some prefer working from the convenience of their homes, coffee shops or co-working spaces. To make today’s children future ready for these changes, there is already focus on adapting to project-based learning and working. They are now learning to apply their skills in shorter terms to a variety of situations.
In the coming years, children are likely to see more of anytime, anywhere education. With the massive reach of the Internet and the ubiquity of smart devices, there are going to be so many tools to help children in their academic life. It is up to teachers, tutors, facilitators and parents to make the most of the opportunities provided by technology and transform education.
Authored by Minal Anand, founder & CEO, GuruQ, India’s leading digital platform that connects students and tutors to address the huge need gap of quality tutoring in India.
